Brady discusses legislative agenda

Steve Love

Published 6:00 pm, Wednesday, February 26, 2003

He serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all legislation relating to taxes, Medicare and Social Security. And just last week, he was appointed Deputy Majority Whip of the 108th Congress, which will give the 8th District "an even bigger voice in the decision making in the U.S. House," said Majority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri.

Brady met with the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 19 to share his legislative agenda for 2003 and discuss issues important to his constituents.

The top three priorities of the Republican Party, says Brady, all have to do with security - national security, economic security and retirement security. Those are important issues to the Cy-Fair area as well.

George Hobson, Associate Superintendent for Business Services with Cy-Fair ISD, expressed his concerns about retirement security. He says he sees many teachers retiring and depending on their husbands' salaries. Often, the husband passes away, and they are forced to draw from their Social Security early. Hobson says they don't know they'll be penalized for doing so.

"That's why it's so frustrating," said Brady. "That's why it needs reform." He says Congress, in looking at Social Security reform, plans on inviting teachers to tell them what changes to make.

"We need to transition to more of a retirement-type plan where you put money in and it works for you," Brady said. "Then when you retire, you have something there."

Members of the Chamber also asked Brady how they can get funding to improve transportation and mobility in the area. In his answer, he said Texas needs to get its fair share. Texas currently receives 86 or 87 cents for every dollar it sends to Washington - the goal is 91 cents, he says.

In addition, he says this year's budget has about $30 billion in highway funding. While that may not mean a lot for the Cy-Fair area, he says it's something to start with. He's also working on a bi-partisan bill with fellow Houston Congressman Gene Green aimed at stopping frivolous environmental law suits that delay transportation projects.

Brady was also questioned about the possibility of rail as one of Cy-Fair's transportation options. He said he's got an open mind about anything that will help Houston move around faster.

Another issue important to this area is flooding. Brady was happy to tell Jersey Village city council members that they will be getting some money to deal specifically with the problems of White Oak Bayou.

Last October, President Bush signed a bill pushed by Brady that will help communities be better prepared for inland flooding like that caused by Tropical Storm Allison. Over the next five years, more than $5 million will be spent on research for better forecasting and the development of an early warning system for inland flooding.

By continuing to reside in the northwest Houston area rather than moving to Washington, Brady hopes to keep abreast of the issues at the heart of this community. He encouraged the business leaders of the Cy-Fair Chamber to contact his office whenever needs arise and they don't know where else to turn. The government shouldn't be the last resort, he said.